New Book Released About Violinist Louis Persinger

Written by Raymond Bruzan, the book explores the violinist's life and his role as a teacher, which included teaching Yehudi Menuhin

Award-winning author and educator, Bruzan's "Have Violin, Will Travel — The Louis Persinger Story," introduces the personal and professional relationships of the violin virtuoso. 

The book features interviews and over 150 photographs from Persinger’s family and students that had never before been published in other studies of the musician.

It also details Persinger’s studies in Europe, performances, decades of teaching, ancestors and descendants, and several of his students. With a teaching career spanning over 30 years, his students included Yehudi Menuhin, Ruggiero Ricci, and Isaac Stern. 

Persinger was born in Rochester, Illinois, in 1887. A graduate of the Leipzig Conservatory of Music, he was a protégé of Hans Becker, Eugène Ysaÿe, and Jacques Thibaud.

He later served as concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic, Royal Opera Orchestra Brussels, and the San Francisco Symphony. He also held a teaching position at New York's Juilliard School, succeeding Leopold Auer in the role in 1930.

"Louis Persinger did not come from wealth," Bruzan told The Violin Channel. "His birth in the small Illinois village of Rochester and his early years in the Oklahoma Territory were unlikely to lead to fame or fortune.

"During his developing years, he learned a 'work ethic' from his determined parents who were wise enough to recognize Louis' genius, and who devoted their lives to help their son develop his incredible talents.

"Louis Persinger was a dreamer," Bruzan continued. "More than once he expressed his dream to become a master violinist. With a dedicated effort, his dream came true. We should all dare to dream, as we never know where our dreams may take us."

For more information and to purchase the book, click here.